Regal Exit, second to Snow Drop in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, will bid to go one better in the I.A.W.S Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown tomorrow.
Nicky Henderson's charge is one of seven British-trained hopes in the 15-runner field for the Grade One event which include his stablemate Mister Banjo who finished 10th in the Triumph.
Philip Hobbs' Lord Brex, fifth in the Triumph and a winner at Aintree since, will attempt to overturn Festival form, while the other British runners are Greyfield (Mick Channon), Kattegat (Jim Old), Perugino Diamond (Martin Pipe) and Mrs Jodi (Malcolm Jefferson).
Leading the home defence is Triumph Hurdle third General Cloney (Willie Mullins).
Henderson's Stayers' Hurdle winner Bacchanal will attempt to follow up in the Grade One Ballymore Properties Champion Stayers' Hurdle on the same card.
He is reopposed by Cheltenham fourth Effectual and sixth Lady Rebecca, both trained by Venetia Williams.
There are a total of six British runners in the 10-strong field, the other raiders being Princeful (Mandy Bowlby), Teaatral (Charlie Egerton) and Rubhahunish (Nigel Twiston-Davies).
Henderson has another leading contender for honours in the Grade One Swordlestown Cup Novices' Chase in the shape of Arkle Trophy winner Tiutchev.
Five of the seven runners are trained in Britain and include Jungli (Paul Webber) and Samakaan (Venetia Williams), first and second respectively in the Martell Red Rum Chase at Aintree last time.
Arctic Fancy (Julian Smyth-Osbourne) and Corniche (Nigel Twiston-Davies) make up the British challenge with Frozen Groom and Slaney Native representing Ireland.
Other British runners at the meeting include Kim Bailey's Famfoni in the Quinns Of Baltinglass Steeplechase while Brilliant Star (Steve Brookshaw), Mumuqa (Charlie Egerton), Chevalier Errant (James Adam), Wave Rock (Philip Hobbs) and Polar Party (Nerys Dutfield) run in the Frank Ward & Co Solicitors Novice Chase.
